Millions Told To Stay Out of Sun in 15 States

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Joe Edwards is a Live News Reporter based in Newsweek’s London Bureau. He covers topics related to weather, climate, and extreme weather events. Joe joined Newsweek in April 2024 after graduating from City, University of London with an MA in International Journalism. Prior to this, he studied History and English Literature at the University of Kent. Languages: English. You can get in touch with Joe by emailing joe.edwards@newsweek.com

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The National Weather Service (NWS) had heat advisories in place for parts of 15 states early on Friday, with the agency warning of hot temperatures expected over the Plains into the lower Mississippi River Valley, as well as a portion of the Southeast U.S. coast Friday.

Why It Matters

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), extreme heat can trigger heat-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations such as older adults, young children, and those with certain medical conditions.

The agency notes that extreme heat contributes to more than 700 deaths annually across the U.S.

Rising temperatures can also worsen ground-level ozone pollution, potentially compounding existing health risks.

What To Know

At the time of writing, the heat advisories were in place for the following states:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas

The NWS says these advisories are “issued for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria.”

Heat index values—which reflect how hot it feels when both temperature and humidity are considered—were expected to reach the triple-digits across the areas under advisory, according to the agency.

Parts of southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina could see these values reach up to 112, as could portions of southeast Alabama, the Big Bend and Panhandle of Florida, and south central and southwest Georgia, the NWS said in the advisories.

“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the advisories recommended.

What People Are Saying

The National Weather Service forecast office, Fort Worth, Texas said on X, Thursday: “Daytime temperatures will remain seasonably warm through the weekend, with afternoon heat indices climbing into the 103 to 109 degree range each day. Remain mindful of the heat illness when outside this weekend.”

NWS Tallahassee said in a post on X, Friday: “Temps will rise to the mid-90s with today and Saturday being the hottest days. Heat index values will be near 110° today in the heat advisory area. Expect moderate to major health impacts on folks who fail to cool off and take precautions.”

NWS Charleston, South Carolina, said on X, Thursday: “Another Heat Advisory has been posted for parts of the Lowcountry & Southeast Georgia for today. Heat indices in this area will peak 106-112 this afternoon.”

What Happens Next

At the time of writing, the latest of the heat advisories was in effect until Monday.

Regular forecast updates are issued by the NWS on its website and social media channels.